7 January 2026
Little Current & Mindemoya, ON — Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest fundraising initiative, Vital Visions – Higher Resolution Leads to Clearer Solutions, aimed at raising $250,000 to purchase two new, state-of-the-art ultrasound machines—one for each hospital site in Mindemoya and Little Current.
Ultrasound imaging is a vital diagnostic tool used across many areas of care, including emergency medicine, obstetrics, internal medicine, and more. Upgraded ultrasound equipment will enable clinicians to make faster, more accurate diagnoses close to home, reducing the need for patients to travel off island for care.
“This campaign represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare on Manitoulin Island,” said Paula Fields, President & CEO of Manitoulin Health Centre. “By equipping both of our hospital sites with modern ultrasound technology, we are ensuring that patients receive timely, high-quality diagnostic care where they live, without the added burden of travel. For rural hospitals like ours, major medical equipment purchases are not funded by the provincial government, making community support essential.”
“As a rural hospital with two sites serving a large geographic area, it’s essential that we invest in modern diagnostic technology at both locations,” said Dennis McGreggor, Chair of the Manitoulin Health Centre Board of Directors. “Because there is no provincial funding for hospital equipment purchases, initiatives like this campaign are critical to maintaining high standards of care and long-term sustainability at both of our sites.”
As existing ultrasound equipment continues to age, reliability and availability become increasing concerns. Investing in new technology now will help ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services, faster answers for patients, and improved continuity of care—allowing individuals and families to receive the care they need, closer to home, when it matters most.
“Upgrading our ultrasound equipment will have a direct and immediate impact on patient care,” said Alison Wallenius, Manager of Laboratory Services & Diagnostic Imaging at Manitoulin Health Centre. “Clearer, more detailed images allow our teams to make informed decisions more quickly, improving patient outcomes and supporting safer, more efficient care.”
Manitoulin Health Centre is a two-site rural hospital serving more than 13,000 permanent residents, along with a significant seasonal population. Unlike hospital operating costs, which are provincially funded, medical equipment purchases rely entirely on community fundraising, philanthropy, and donor support to ensure patients have access to modern diagnostic tools.
Funds raised through the Vital Visions – Higher Resolution Leads to Clearer Solutions campaign will directly support the purchase of two new ultrasound machines, strengthening diagnostic services at both hospital sites and reducing the need for patients to travel off-island for care.
Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to support the campaign and help advance diagnostic care across Manitoulin Island.
To learn more or to donate, please visit www.mhc.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Dawn Noble McCann
Professional Recruiter, Public Relations & Communications Lead
Manitoulin Health Centre
Email: DNobleMcCann@mhc.on.ca
Phone: 705-348-0841
